Wheatgrass - Benefits and Attributes

Wheatgrass contains more phyto-nutrients per gram than vegetables, and is high in protein, enzymes, fibre and amino acids.

Wheatgrass is made up of 70% chlorophyll which has numerous health benefits as chlorophyll neutralizes toxins from the body and helps to purify the liver. Chlorophyll is the first product of light, and therefore contains more light energy than any other element. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.

Wheatgrass contains over 90 minerals and high concentrations of alkaline minerals such as sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Wheatgrass also contains 19 amino acids.

Containing a high magnesium content, wheatgrass is said to ease menstrual and menopausal symptoms and conditions.

Wheatgrass is also deemed to be a natural appetite suppressant and digestive aid. It is also reputed to ease chronic fatique syndrome and boost natural energy reserves. Wheatgrass may help to detoxify heavy metals from the body, reduce hair loss and assist with colds, eczema and osteoarthritis.

Wheatgrass may also be of benefit to treat gastrointestinal conditions, anaemia and the side effects of chemotherapy.

Soaking and Pre-Sprouting Wheatgrass Seeds

Wash and soak seeds for recommended time on seed packet and be sure not to under or over-soak.

If the seeds and water become murky and a scum forms on the surface, the seeds are over-soaked and must be discarded.

After soaking, place the seeds in a sprouter until tiny roots appear.

Rinse at least twice per day.

Growing Wheatgrass, Barley and Oats

Wheatgrass (barley and/or oats) can be grown on a kitchen bench on in the laundry.

The growing medium must be airy and light. Organic potting mix, cocopeat and/or worm castings are all excellent choices.

Place soil mixture into a seedling tray filling to 3 to 4 cm, and water thoroughly.

Check that the soil is moist all the way through.

Lay the pre-sprouted seeds (*see SPROUTS and SPROUTING link below) evenly on top of the soil mixture in the tray, at down gently and water well.

Cover with an inverted tray and set in a low-light, room temperature position.

Check on them daily and water when needed. In warm weather you may need to water twice per day.

Once the seedlings are growing and have reached approximately 2 to 3 cm tall, remove the cover and move into sunlight. The wheatgrass can be transferred to a sunnier position once the grass is growing to approximately 2.5 to 5cm in height.

Harvesting Wheatgrass, Barley and Oats

Harvesting can take place in 6 to 60 days, or when growth reaches 15 to 25cm in height.

Cut the grass at 2 to 3 cms above the soil, leaving the roots in the tray.

Peak nutrition is reached by harvesting just prior to the ‘joining stage’, which is when the plant switches from vegetable growth to reproductive growth as the blade develops its second stem.

Trays will usually produce a second and sometimes even a third crop.

Storage of Wheatgrass, Barley and Oats

Harvested wheatgrass, oats and barley can be stored for approximately one week, but peak nutritional benefits are obtained from the freshly cut grass.

Juicing Wheatgrass, Oats and Barley

A special type of juicer is required to crush the blades of grass. The ‘green juice’ mixes well with celery, parsley, alfalfa, sprouts, spinach, kale, dandelion and/or the microgreens sunflower and buckwheat.

How To Use Wheatgrass

Wheatrass can be taken as a dried concentrate, whole leaf powder, extract, tablets or in enema form. Wheatgrass juice however, is the healthiest and most beneficial form.

For best results, drink wheatgrass juice within 30 minutes of juicing.

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By consuming wheatgrass juice, one may feel a boost in strength, energy, endurance, health, happiness, a heightened spirituality and general wellbeing.

Grow Your Own Foods

MicrogreensMicrogreens are high in nutritional value and are an alternative to sprouts.

SPROUTS and SPROUTINGSprouting is ‘bench top organic vegetable gardening’. Sprouts are incredibly nutritious and are a miracle food. Another benefit to growing and eating sprouts is that there is no preparation time.